Bolton Wanderers began their return to the Championship with a 2-1 victory over local rivals Preston North End. The win marks their first in the division since March 2019. Head coach Steven Schumacher described the season ahead as an “exciting ride.”

The match, played in front of a sellout crowd of 26,262 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, saw goals from Sam Dalby and Thierry Gale in the first half. Dalby, who scored 14 times last season, opened the scoring after Daniel Iversen, the Preston goalkeeper, parried a shot from John McAtee. Gale then doubled Bolton’s advantage after receiving a pass from McAtee, cutting in from the left, and unleashing a curling right-foot shot.

Bolton had a goal disallowed when Dalby headed in, but McAtee was adjudged to have committed a foul. Despite Bolton’s dominance, Preston managed to halve the deficit late in the game when substitute Jusef Erabi headed in a cross from fellow substitute Andrija Vukcevic. However, Liam Lindsay missed a late opportunity to equalise for Preston, ensuring Bolton secured the three points.

Schumacher’s reaction and the road ahead

Following the match, Schumacher reflected on the team’s performance, noting that they were largely in control of the game. He acknowledged the intensity of the division, stating, “The Championship is going to be an exciting ride so strap in.”

Schumacher also highlighted the significance of the fixture, describing it as a “big occasion” for the club. It was their first game back at this level after a considerable period, and playing against a local rival added to the importance. He emphasised that the team had prepared to be positive for the match.

Preston’s manager, Paul Heckingbottom, introduced recent signings Léo Leroy, Odel Offiah, and Erabi in the second half, replacing Pol Valentín, Jordan Thompson, and Callum Lang. Despite these changes, Bolton maintained their lead. Dalby had another chance to extend Bolton’s lead but his left-foot effort was saved by Iversen.

In other EFL action, Lincoln returned to the second tier after 65 years, with their first game being an away trip to Middlesbrough. Sheffield United hosted Birmingham in a later kick-off. In League One, Luton secured a 4-3 victory at Reading with a stoppage-time winner from substitute Gideon Kodua. Jack Marriott scored a hat-trick for Reading, but it was not enough. Notts County drew 1-1 with former Premier League champions Leicester, with Conor Grant scoring a late equaliser. In League Two, Rochdale lost 3-0 to Newport County, while Oldham beat Port Vale 2-0 with a double from Calum Kavanagh.

Championship challenges and expectations

Bolton’s return to the Championship comes after seven years away, and they were predicted by some to face difficulties. However, their performance against Preston, a long-standing member of the division, demonstrated their readiness for the challenge.

The team’s ability to dominate much of the game, despite the late scare, suggests they are prepared for the rigours of the second tier. The atmosphere at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, with a full house, underscored the importance of this opening fixture for the club and its supporters.

Schumacher’s remarks about the division being an “exciting ride” set the tone for what is anticipated to be a competitive season for Bolton Wanderers. The club will aim to build on this initial success as they navigate their return to the Championship.

The victory provides a strong start for Bolton in their campaign, with the team showing resilience to hold on for the win despite Preston’s late efforts to find an equaliser.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Liverpool is set to conclude its pre-season schedule with a double-header against Como 1907 on Sunday. The first match will be played behind closed doors, while the second fixture, kicking off at 6pm BST, will take place at Anfield. These matches mark the fifth and sixth under manager Andoni Iraola as the team prepares for the new Premier League season.

Iraola expressed his view that the squad is progressing positively as the new season approaches. He noted that the games against Como will serve as an important test to finalise preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign. The manager highlighted that despite the outcome of a recent match against Monaco, there were positive aspects and learning opportunities for his staff and himself.

During the match against Monaco, Alexander Isak was noted for scoring and appearing sharp, particularly in the first 30 minutes. However, a challenge identified was the team’s inability to maintain performance levels, a similar issue observed in a previous game against Leeds United. Iraola believes that sustained performance will develop with time and consistent effort in training.

Squad Updates and Player Returns

The return of Alexis Mac Allister to the AXA Training Centre on Monday means that all players who participated in the World Cup are now back with the squad. This full complement of players is considered beneficial for the team’s preparations. Iraola has confidence in the quality and potential within the squad, emphasising the need for consistent performance.

Liverpool has also strengthened its defence with the addition of Ronald Araujo, who joined on a season-long loan from FC Barcelona. Iraola welcomed the Uruguay defender, expressing satisfaction with adding a player of his quality and experience, anticipating a positive impact on the squad.

Central defence has been an area of concern for Liverpool, with several players facing fitness issues. Jacquet, who missed the match against Monaco, is back in team training. Giovanni Leoni is continuing his recovery from an ACL injury, and Joe Gomez sustained a muscle injury during a win against Sunderland, which may affect his start to the season. Ibrahima Konate departed the club on a free transfer to Real Madrid upon the expiry of his contract.

Curtis Jones, despite being linked with a move to Inter Milan, has been dealing with a hip injury but has since returned to training after missing the Monaco game. Fitness levels of Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz are being monitored following their participation in the World Cup final. Longer-term absentees include Conor Bradley with a knee injury and Hugo Ekitike with an Achilles injury.

Pre-Season Form and Upcoming Fixtures

In recent Club Friendlies, Liverpool experienced a loss against Monaco and another against Leeds United. However, they secured a victory against Wrexham and another against Sunderland. Como, in their recent Club Friendlies, drew against Arsenal and achieved wins against Famalicão and Cremonese. Como also recorded wins against Parma and Hellas Verona in Serie A matches.

The upcoming matches against Como are scheduled for Sunday. The behind-closed-doors match will kick off at 11:30am BST, followed by the ticketed friendly at 6pm BST at Anfield. These games will be available to watch live on All Red Video.

Source: bbc.com

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Manchester United are set to face AC Milan in a pre-season friendly on Saturday in Poland, a match that will see Ruben Amorim, now managing AC Milan, meet his successor at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick. This encounter marks a reunion under significantly different circumstances for both managers and some key players.

A year ago, Marcus Rashford was at Barcelona, Carrick had recently been dismissed by Middlesbrough, and Amorim was preparing for his initial full season in charge at Old Trafford. Now, Rashford has returned to United under Carrick’s management, his former teammate and captain. Amorim, having been sacked five months into last season, took over AC Milan this summer and is seeking to end a winless pre-season run against his former club.

The match is anticipated to be more than just a friendly, adding another layer of intrigue due to Rashford’s return. Amorim had previously moved Rashford on after questioning his attitude. This pre-season finale offers an opportunity to assess United’s navigation through a mid-season managerial change and the start of a new era under Carrick.

Carrick’s tactical flexibility and renewed optimism

One notable change under Carrick has been a shift from a rigid tactical approach to a more flexible one. Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford was marked by his adherence to a 3-4-3 formation, which he was reportedly unwilling to change, even when squad numbers were reduced due to the Africa Cup of Nations. This inflexibility was cited as a source of friction between Amorim and the United hierarchy, and similar issues are reportedly affecting his early days at AC Milan.

In contrast, Carrick’s first game in charge, a Manchester derby, showcased a more attacking and fluid style, resulting in a 2-0 victory over Manchester City. This front-foot approach has continued into pre-season, with an emphasis on quick forward passes. Players like summer recruit Andrey Santos have been noted for breaking lines with forward passes, and Bryan Mbeumo has excelled centrally, making runs behind defences. Bruno Fernandes has also benefited, returning to his preferred No 10 position and setting a new assist record in the Premier League.

The mood at Old Trafford has also seen a significant shift. Amorim’s public statements often created a pessimistic atmosphere, with talks of suffering and the team being labelled the worst in the club’s history. Carrick, however, has fostered a sense of optimism. Despite Amorim’s previous assertions that the team was not ready for a Champions League spot, Carrick guided United to secure qualification. Players like Leny Yoro and Mbeumo have expressed their ambition to win the league this season, a dream Carrick has embraced, believing his squad has the potential for a special season.

Opportunities for redemption and squad availability

Carrick’s management style also appears to offer players a chance for redemption, a contrast to the approach under Amorim where being out of favour often meant the end of a player’s time at the club. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were among those who experienced this under Amorim. While Garnacho later had a loan spell at Aston Villa after an underwhelming period at Chelsea, Mainoo went on to become a key player in Carrick’s team and was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year, despite not starting a league game until January.

The situation with Marcus Rashford highlights this new approach. His ability was never in doubt, but Amorim took issue with his general conduct. After loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona, Carrick has opened the door for Rashford’s return to United, demonstrating a willingness to offer second chances through his man-management. Whether this opportunity will be fully realised remains to be seen, but Carrick’s intent is clear.

For the upcoming friendly, Rashford is in line to make his first appearance for Manchester United. Carrick confirmed that Rashford, along with Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo, were not ready for the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United but would be available for the weekend’s match. Carrick stated, “Marcus, Licha and Kobbie only came back a couple of days ago so they’re not quite ready but we can have them for the weekend.” He added that the players have trained hard and the team will prepare for the game on Saturday, focusing on balancing playing minutes.

Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, and Benjamin Sesko are considered doubtful for the match after missing the Leeds draw. However, Bruno Fernandes and summer signing Youri Tielemans could potentially start together in midfield for the first time. Matheus Cunha made his first pre-season appearance midweek, and decisions are pending regarding the attacking lineup, with Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo having supported lone striker Bryan Mbeumo. The predicted Manchester United XI includes Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, Shaw; Tielemans, Santos; Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, with Ugarte and Heaton listed as injured.

The match will be broadcast on MUTV.

Source: skysports.com

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Arsenal explore defensive options

Arsenal have expressed interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah. Reports suggest that discussions are in an exploratory phase, but a transfer for the player is considered possible. This development follows further talks by Arsenal regarding a potential move for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.

Aston Villa reportedly seeks a fee of around £60m for Konsa, while Arsenal values the player closer to £40m. Quansah fits the profile of player Arsenal is seeking, as he is capable of playing both as a centre-back and a right-back. However, it remains uncertain whether their interest in the former Liverpool defender is a strategic move in their pursuit of Konsa, who is also an England team-mate of Quansah.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, has maintained a cautious stance regarding specific individuals but has affirmed his intention to enhance the squad. He highlighted the club’s ambition to improve and evolve the team to achieve its objectives, noting that certain areas have been identified for strengthening.

Injury concerns prompt search for reinforcements

The pursuit of defensive reinforcements comes as Arsenal faces injury challenges ahead of their season. William Saliba, a France centre-back, will be unavailable for the start of their Premier League title defence against Coventry City next weekend. He is sidelined for an extended period due to a back injury sustained at the World Cup.

Additionally, Jurrien Timber, a Netherlands right-back, is working to regain fitness after missing two months towards the end of last season with an ankle injury. Arteta provided an update on Timber’s recovery, stating that he is making good progress and is on the pitch, with the volume and load of his training increasing. He indicated that Timber is on a positive trajectory but still has several weeks of recovery ahead.

Saliba’s back problem is described as a more long-term injury. These defensive absences have prompted Arsenal’s keenness to bolster their options at centre-back, with significant investment being explored. Both Konsa and Quansah are reported targets who can play in central defence and at right-back.

Arteta also mentioned that the club’s transfer activities might not be limited to new arrivals, suggesting that player departures could also occur in the coming fortnight. He noted that this period is exciting, creating opportunities for evolution and understanding how each player is feeling. The club aims to be in the best possible condition to compete in all competitions.

Liverpool holds an option to match any offer for Quansah, a clause from his transfer from Anfield to the Bundesliga club last year. However, it is understood that Liverpool does not intend to activate this clause. Quansah was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup this summer.

During the tournament, Quansah started three matches at right-back. He received a red card in the last-16 game against Mexico, which led to him missing the quarter-final victory over Norway and the semi-final defeat by Argentina. Last season, Quansah made 44 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring five goals.

Arteta also confirmed that Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martín Zubimendi trained with the team and are expected to be involved in the upcoming Community Shield match against Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday.

Squad ambition and upcoming fixtures

The manager expressed a positive atmosphere within the squad, noting a strong energy and the return of all international players. He observed the players’ hunger and praised their fitness and condition upon returning. While being discreet about specific transfer dealings, Arteta provided insight into the club’s thinking regarding Ethan Nwaneri, a 19-year-old forward.

Nwaneri made 26 league appearances two seasons ago before a loan spell at Marseille in January, where he scored two goals in nine Ligue 1 games. Arteta stated his desire for Nwaneri to remain at the club but emphasised the need to consider the player’s medium and long-term development, including guaranteeing him playing minutes if he stays.

The upcoming Community Shield match against Manchester City marks the official start of Arsenal’s season, with Arteta acknowledging the strength of their opponent. The club’s focus remains on strengthening the squad and ensuring all players are in optimal condition for the challenges ahead.

The Premier League title defence is set to begin next weekend against Coventry City.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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New Manchester United Show Announced

Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United captain, is set to co-host a new show dedicated to the club this season. He will be joined by influencer Mark Goldbridge. The programme, titled Stick to United with Wayne Rooney, is part of a broader distribution agreement with Disney+.

The new show will analyse Manchester United’s latest results and performances, offering expert insight, opinions, and in-depth discussions on key topics surrounding the club. It is scheduled to debut with 50 episodes on Disney+, in addition to existing streaming platforms and The Overlap’s The United Stand YouTube channel. Extended episode content will be exclusive to the streaming service.

Rooney expressed his delight at co-hosting the new show with Goldbridge, noting that it felt like a natural progression after his work on Stick to Football and The Overlap’s Fan Debate show. He highlighted the show’s focus on everything related to Manchester United.

The Overlap’s Expanding Reach

The new programme is an expansion of Gary Neville’s The Overlap network. Neville, a former England defender, founded The Overlap in 2021, and it has since grown to include other sports such as cricket and rugby. Earlier this year, Neville acquired Goldbridge’s YouTube channels, which include The United Stand and That’s Football, integrating them into The Overlap network.

Neville stated that the partnership with Disney+ allows The Overlap to expand its reach without compromising its identity. He emphasised that their community would continue to access content via YouTube, while Disney+’s global audience would also be able to discover and enjoy it. This collaboration aims to introduce their shows to millions of new viewers globally.

Goldbridge, whose real name is Brent di Cesare, has a significant online presence with over 3.8 million followers across his two YouTube channels. His videos are known for their viral clips, often featuring his reactions and football opinions.

Disney+ Partnership and Content Details

Disney+ has secured a one-year exclusive agreement with The Overlap, making it the headline sponsor for both Stick to Football and the new Stick to United with Wayne Rooney for the upcoming 2026/2027 football season. The streaming service will also commission exclusive episodes and companion content for its platform.

Stick to United with Wayne Rooney is set to stream weekly from Tuesday, 18 August, while Stick to Football will be available weekly from Thursday, 20 August, on Disney+ in the UK and Ireland. The Stick to Football show, hosted by Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane, will feature 40 new episodes, with 20 of these exclusive to Disney+ for a limited period. Additionally, Disney+ has commissioned six exclusive episodes of Stick to Football from the UK.

Sean Doyle, VP, Unscripted, Disney+ EMEA, expressed excitement about bringing popular sports shows to the platform, noting that adding both shows broadens their local original content offering. He highlighted the unique nature of what Gary Neville and The Overlap team have created with both programmes.

Wayne Rooney will also continue his punditry role on Match of the Day, and The Wayne Rooney Show is scheduled to return to BBC platforms this season.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Brian Madjo made a significant impact on his Aston Villa debut, scoring his first goal for the club in a UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain. The 17-year-old striker’s performance in Salzburg showcased his potential, despite Villa’s 2-1 defeat.

Madjo’s debut was long-awaited, coming eight months after his signing. His eligibility was confirmed when the court of arbitration for sport (Cas) upheld Villa’s appeal to register him. This decision allowed the striker to finally wear a Villa shirt in a competitive game, a moment he marked on Instagram by posting, “No distractions, I’m free.”

A Long-Awaited Debut

The journey to Madjo’s debut was protracted due to Fifa regulations concerning the transfer of an “international minor.” Villa signed Madjo for £10m from Metz in January. He was born in Enfield, north London, to Cameroonian parents, but was raised in Luxembourg, where he has played in friendly matches.

Unai Emery, Villa’s manager, was a key proponent of Madjo’s acquisition, pushing for his signing and expressing admiration for the player. Emery had hoped to introduce Madjo towards the end of the previous season. The manager’s high regard for Madjo meant that, unlike many other young players at Villa, a loan move was considered unlikely for the striker, who was brought in as a first-team player.

Madjo joined Villa on his 17th birthday, following Emery’s request for chief scout Alberto Benito to personally assess his talent at Metz. Madjo had made his Ligue 1 debut for Metz at the age of 16 and 217 days last August.

Impactful Performance Against PSG

In the match against PSG at the Red Bull Arena, Madjo demonstrated why Emery was so keen on him. Despite facing one of the game’s top centre-back pairings in Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, Madjo used his raw power and attacking instincts to challenge the defenders. Villa defender Tyrone Mings, who has faced Madjo in training, described him as a “tough person to defend against,” noting his physical presence and high potential.

Madjo’s goal was a volley at the back post, breaking Patrick Kluivert’s 30-year record as the Super Cup’s youngest goalscorer. This moment came after he had previously bulldozed Pacho to create an opportunity for Emi Buendía. His performance included excellent holdup play and formidable strength, as noted by teammates.

Before scoring, Madjo had created several significant chances, with some reports suggesting he could have scored multiple goals in the first half alone. Despite missing earlier opportunities, he maintained his composure and eventually found the net. Mings praised Madjo’s character, highlighting his patience during his waiting period and his mental resilience in dealing with setbacks.

Madjo’s performance also included holding off Marquinhos to earn a free-kick and displaying good hold-up play to set up John McGinn. He departed the match after 72 minutes to a standing ovation from the travelling Villa supporters, having registered 27 touches and six shots, culminating in his memorable strike.

Looking Ahead

Madjo’s debut follows a strong pre-season where he scored five goals, with only Chelsea’s João Pedro outscoring him among Premier League players. Teammate Matty Cash commented on Madjo’s pre-season form, stating, “All pre-season he has put his body around and scored goals.”

The young striker is expected to continue his development, with Mings suggesting that watching players like Ollie Watkins, who is known for his work-rate, will aid Madjo’s progress. Watkins, who has consistently reached double figures in top-flight seasons, is set to return to training this week. Madjo also has experienced strikers like Tammy Abraham around him from whom to learn.

Villa are preparing for their final friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday before starting their league campaign at Brighton a week on Sunday. For Madjo, his debut marks what feels like just the beginning of his career with Aston Villa.

Source: theguardian.com

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Gabriel’s Progression and Academy Interest

JJ Gabriel, a Manchester United academy talent, has continued to train with the first team following his inclusion in a senior matchday squad against Rosenborg in Norway. He made his first-team debut in Stockholm against Atletico Madrid, and was part of the travelling squad for a training camp near Dublin. While he is spending more time with the first team, he is expected to play with the Under-21s for the opening Premier League season match against Hull on August 22.

Gabriel has participated in behind-closed-doors friendlies for the Under-21s this summer, though he has not yet made a competitive debut for that age group. The Under-21s are scheduled to begin their season against Ipswich two days after the first team’s match against Hull. Gabriel was unable to play for the Under-21s last season because he was 14 when the campaign began, but there are no longer restrictions on his play, making a senior debut in the first half of the season a possibility.

There is significant interest in Gabriel, with Chelsea reportedly showing the strongest interest in the 15-year-old. Other clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham, are also said to be interested. Gabriel was voted the U18 Premier League Player of the Season in the 2025/26 season. Manchester United are reportedly confident in retaining the player and are working to secure his future before his 16th birthday, when he will be eligible to sign scholarship terms.

Youth Team Fixtures and Player Development

The Manchester United Under-18s are set to face Manchester City at Carrington on August 22 for their opening league fixture. This match is seen as an early title decider, as the two clubs have consistently competed for the U18 Northern League title, with City winning by four points last season and two points the season before, and United finishing as runners-up both times. Fans will not be able to attend the match, but MUTV will broadcast the game. The fixture is also a repeat of the FA Youth Cup final from May.

Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick are expected to feature prominently for the Under-18s in the upcoming campaign. Rooney made his debut at Old Trafford last season, appearing as a substitute in an FA Youth Cup game against Derby. Carrick is also anticipated to play in the competition this term. Both players earned their scholarship deals based on merit within the academy. Rooney has transitioned from playing as a striker to operating on the wing, where he is noted for cutting inside with his left foot.

United are also reportedly interested in signing Louis Page, an 18-year-old midfielder from Leicester City. Page has already made 21 senior appearances for Leicester across various competitions. The club aims to attract players like Page by highlighting the pathway to the first team, using Ayden Heaven as an example of an academy player who has become a permanent member of the senior squad.

Academy Sales Strategy

Manchester United have been working to improve their approach to selling academy players. The club’s strategy, which became more noticeable in the summer of 2024, involves including favourable clauses such as buy-backs and sell-ons in player sales. This approach was seen in the sales of academy players like Mason Greenwood, Alvaro Fernandez, and Willy Kambwala.

This strategy continued with the recent move of Ethan Williams to Peterborough. United received a “sizeable fee” from the League One club, which included add-ons. Additionally, the club inserted a 50 per cent sell-on clause, along with buyback and matching rights clauses, reflecting a deliberate business strategy.

The club aims to become a more effective selling club, making gradual progress in this area since last summer’s recruitment efforts.

Manchester United’s pre-season has included a 5-0 win against Rosenborg and a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid.

Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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Root’s New Approach to Team Discipline

Joe Root, the newly reinstated England Test captain, has announced the removal of the midnight curfew for his players ahead of the upcoming series against Pakistan. Root stated that his players should “be adults” and take personal responsibility for their conduct. This decision marks a shift from the stricter guidelines issued by the ECB in July, which included a midnight curfew and rules against public intoxication.

The ECB’s guidelines, signed off by managing director Rob Key, also stipulated that players should inform management if they are away from the team hotel after 10 pm. However, Root believes that curfews are ineffective. He emphasised that for players to take responsibility on the field, they must feel empowered to make mature decisions off it.

Root shared his perspective on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, explaining, “My view on curfews is that I don’t think they work, and if you want guys to take responsibility on the field, they’ve got to feel like they can be grown adults and make good, strong decisions off it.” He added that managing player behaviour is a collective responsibility for him and new head coach Stephen Fleming.

The ECB acknowledged Root’s approach, stating, “We have a Test captain and coach, who are looking at how they set team standards and culture. As part of this, the curfew will no longer be in place. We will ensure all players have a clear understanding of expectations when they come together for the upcoming Test series.”

Addressing Past Issues and Future Leadership

The decision to relax rules follows a period where the England Test team faced alcohol-related issues, particularly after the Ashes series in late 2025. Incidents included Harry Brook’s altercation in Wellington and the suspension of former captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson for breaking a curfew during a series against New Zealand in June. Stokes subsequently retired from international cricket after the third Test of that series.

Root expressed his desire for the team to be recognised for its on-field performance. He urged players to “Be adults, look after yourselves, look after each other. [We need to] create a good, strong culture where you know when the right time is to celebrate and enjoy a win or to have a sensible beer, but remember – you’ve got to play for England.”

Despite the circumstances surrounding Stokes’ departure, Root did not dismiss the possibility of his return for future Ashes series, stating, “I don’t know – let’s get there first.”

Root also reflected on his previous tenure as captain, admitting to mistakes such as over-bowling Jofra Archer. Archer bowled 42 overs in his maiden overseas match in New Zealand in November 2019, which preceded a series of injuries. Root vowed not to repeat this error, recognising Archer as a “generational talent” crucial for England across all formats.

The captain also shared his disappointment regarding the departure of former head coach Brendon McCullum, who he credited with helping him personally. McCullum remains the England white-ball head coach, with his former New Zealand teammate Stephen Fleming taking over as Test coach. Root expressed admiration for Fleming’s leadership as a player and his coaching record in T20 cricket.

Upcoming Pakistan Series Fixtures

The England vs Pakistan Test series is scheduled to begin with the first Test at Headingley from Wednesday, August 19, to Sunday, August 23, with the first ball at 11 am.

The second Test will be held at Lord’s from Thursday, August 27, to Monday, August 31, also starting at 11 am.

The series concludes with the third Test at Edgbaston, running from Wednesday, September 9, to Sunday, September 13, with play commencing at 11 am.

Source: skysports.com

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Root’s Return and Policy Shift

Joe Root has confirmed the removal of the midnight curfew for the England cricket team, a decision made upon his reappointment as Test captain. This move was made in conjunction with the new Test head coach, Stephen Fleming, following Ben Stokes’s retirement from the captaincy.

The curfew had been implemented previously to address off-field conduct, particularly after several high-profile incidents that occurred before and during the Ashes series in Australia. Root articulated his stance on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, stating, “There’s not going to be a curfew. I don’t think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest.” He further encouraged players to act as adults, look after themselves, and support one another.

Root emphasised the importance of fostering a strong team culture where players understand when it is appropriate to celebrate victories. He expressed a desire for players to feel comfortable enjoying a win with a sensible beer or letting their hair down at the right time, without feeling restricted. “We’re human beings at the end of the day,” Root added, highlighting a more relaxed approach to team discipline.

Background to the Curfew

The initial introduction of the curfew followed a period marked by various incidents. One notable event involved Harry Brook, who was reportedly involved in a late-night altercation with a nightclub bouncer. This incident occurred on the day before he was set to captain England in a one-day international match.

More recently, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were alleged to have breached the curfew after the first Test against New Zealand earlier this summer. Consequently, they were not selected for the second match of that series due to disciplinary reasons. However, the Cricket Regulator later determined that the terms and parameters of the curfew had not been clearly communicated to the squad members.

Despite his previous role as Stokes’s vice-captain, Harry Brook was not chosen as skipper, with Rob Key indicating that it was “too soon” for the Yorkshire batter to assume the leadership position. This decision paved the way for Root’s return to the captaincy.

Upcoming Series and Squad Preparations

England is preparing to commence a three-Test series against Pakistan, with the first match scheduled to begin next Wednesday at Headingley. The squad is currently focused on preparations for this upcoming challenge.

Opening batter Emilio Gay has been given an opportunity to demonstrate his fitness ahead of the series. He was included in a 14-man squad for a three-day warm-up match against the touring Pakistan side, which will take place at Beckenham. Gay had previously suffered a shoulder injury scare, retiring hurt while playing for Durham, but is anticipated to be fit for the Test series.

The warm-up side will be captained by Sussex opener Tom Haines. Other players hoping to make an impression in this match include Shoaib Bashir, James Rew, and Matt Fisher, all of whom have featured in Tests for England during the current summer season.

The decision to remove the curfew reflects a shift in approach under Root’s renewed leadership, aiming to foster a culture of personal responsibility within the squad as they prepare for the upcoming series against Pakistan at Headingley.

Source: independent.co.uk

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Divisions Emerge Over Fifa Leadership

Gianni Infantino, president of Fifa, is facing increasing division regarding his leadership, particularly following an abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors. While he was previously expected to secure re-election for a fourth term unopposed, the situation has shifted significantly.

Several member associations have either publicly stated their positions or indicated their stance through their continental confederations. This has led to a fluid picture of support and opposition among Fifa’s 210 member associations with voting rights.

Confederations Accuse Fifa President of Deception

The backlash against Infantino intensified when Uefa (Europe), Concacaf (North America, Central America, and the Caribbean), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) signed a joint letter. This letter accused Infantino and Fifa of breaking trust “through deception.” These regional governing bodies collectively represent 136 associations.

The letter highlighted concerns over the integrity of the game and its leadership, stating that “leadership in football is not a possession.” It also suggested that when trust is broken through deception, and an individual prioritizes themselves over the collective, their duty has been abandoned. Some sources indicate that this letter could be seen as an opportunity for Infantino to resign with dignity.

The controversy stems from the proposed Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), a plan to create a new company to manage commercial and ticketing rights for Fifa competitions, including the World Cups, with a portion to be sold to private investors. This proposal was abandoned after widespread criticism, particularly from Uefa, which had threatened a boycott of Fifa competitions.

The three confederations have called for an independent review of Infantino’s scheme. They argue that Fifa’s admission of mistakes in the FFE process did not go far enough, failing to acknowledge that the proposal itself was inherently flawed and represented a “profound failure of judgement.”

Despite the collective stance, some dissenting members exist within these confederations. For instance, Bhutan, the Philippines, and the UAE within AFC have backed Infantino. Similarly, Mexico has expressed support for Infantino, breaking ranks within Concacaf, although the USA and Canada have supported Concacaf’s statement.

Potential Challengers and Shifting Alliances

Infantino still maintains strong allies, especially within Africa (Caf) and South America (Conmebol), which have reportedly benefited from significant investment since he assumed leadership. This investment could be crucial in securing votes from nations within AFC, Concacaf, and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), particularly those that have benefited from the Fifa Forward programme.

The OFC has not yet made any public comments regarding the situation, nor have its members. The confederation indicated it would release a statement following a meeting on Thursday. Saudi Arabia, which was awarded hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup under Infantino’s tenure, has not taken a public position, but its football leadership elections in August could influence its stance and that of others in the region.

The possibility of a candidate challenging Infantino in the next election, scheduled for March, remains. While no one has formally announced their candidacy, Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has been mentioned as a potential challenger. The deadline for candidates to declare their intention to stand is November.

The global landscape of support for Infantino is currently unclear due to emerging splits within confederations and the absence of a declared challenger. If a unity candidate were to emerge, the election would become a direct contest, requiring a simple majority of 106 votes to win. The Fifa Council, comprising 37 members, could also potentially force a resignation through an emergency meeting if 19 members call for it.

Former US president Donald Trump has publicly stated that removing Infantino would be a “terrible mistake,” praising his leadership during the World Cup. This intervention adds another dimension to the ongoing discussions surrounding Infantino’s future.

The next meeting of the Fifa Council is anticipated to take place in October.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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